§ Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for Defence why low-flying Service helicopters were allowed to operate all day on 9th July over areas of the Dartmoor National Park outside the allocated training areas, in contravention of the agreement made by the War Department with the Dartmoor Commoners' Association that helicopters would not be flown below 500 feet over non-training areas; whether he is aware that these low-flying operations caused risk of accidents to a pony-trekking party, interfered with sheep-gathering, and were the subject of complaint; and what steps he has taken to prevent further infringement of the agreement.
§ Mr. KirkThese complaints relate to an exercise which involved the landing of troops from helicopters. I am having them fully investigated and will write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible. I am taking steps to re-emphasise the existing regulations for the Dartmoor training area.